Handanovic pays tribute to mentor De Sanctis

Inter Milan goalkeeper Samir Handanovic says he is grateful to Napoli 'keeper Morgan De Sanctis ahead of Sunday's meeting between the two.

The two goalkeepers crossed paths at Udinese, with 35-year-old De Sanctis enjoying eight seasons between 1998 and 2007 at Friuli, with Handanovic joining in 2004 and leaving for fellow Serie A side Inter at the end of last season.

The 28-year-old spoke about the help he received from his former team-mate, and also looked forward to Sunday's clash.

"When I arrived in Udine, Morgan helped me a lot, and I thank him again," the Slovenia international told Corriere dello Sport.

"At Inter, we are a good group. But it's too early to say where we can (finish0. Let's take it one match at a time. Beginning with Napoli."

Andrea Stramaccioni's men sit third in the Serie A table, with just one league win in their last four matches, but can leapfrog Walter Mazzari's men with a win.